DEFENDING champion University of Santo Tomas kicked off its ‘four-peat’ bid in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Chess Tournament in dominant fashion, securing a 3.5-0.5 victory over Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday at the Adamson Gym.
FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz [1/1] set the tone for UST’s opening-day triumph by overcoming a slightly disadvantageous position to defeat Paul Matthew Llanillo [0/1] in 48 moves of a Sicilian Defense, playing with the black pieces on Board 1.
Jan Clifford Palma [1/1] and Lee Roi Palma [1/1] followed suit with victories over Romeo Canino [0/1] and Knark Batislaong [0/1] on Boards 2 and 4, respectively.
Reigning MVP Melito Ocsan Jr. [0.5/1] rounded out UST’s dominance, splitting the point with Christopher Kis-ing [0.5/1] on Board 3.
FEU also made a strong start, matching UST’s 3.5-0.5 victory by defeating Adamson University.
FIDE Masters Mark Jay Bacojo [1/1], John Merill Jacutina [1/1], and Jeth Romy Morado [1/1] scored wins on Boards 1, 2, and 4, respectively, against John Frederick Sunga [0/1], Arena International Master Alfonzo Olendo [0/1], and John Rocel Simon [0/1].
Adamson’s Joshua Roque [0.5/1] avoided a complete shutout by drawing with Dale Bernardo [0.5/1] on Board 3.
De La Salle University and University of the Philippines ended their match in a 2-2 draw, with both teams securing one win and two draws.
Season 85 MVP and FIDE Master Stephen Rome Pangilinan [1/0] led UP with a dominant win over Cyril Telesforo [0/1] on the top board.
Meanwhile, Arena International Master Jester Sistoza claimed a victory for La Salle by defeating UP rookie Roderenz Adra.
Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco and Arena Grandmaster Io Calica split points with La Salle’s Angele Biete and Danile John Lemi on Boards 2 and 4, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the women’s tournament, De La Salle University stole the spotlight with a 3.5-0.5 rout of University of the Philippines.
Season 85 MVP and Woman National Master Francois Magpily [1/1] led the charge with a 49-move victory over Jarel Lacambra [0/1] in a Modern Defense on Board 1.
Woman National Master Rinoa Sadey [1/1] and Checy Telesforo [1/1] added to La Salle’s total with wins over Precious Eve Ferrer [0/1] and Jallen Agra [0/1] on Boards 3 and 4.
UP’s Jerlyn San Diego managed to earn half a point by drawing with Woman National Master Sara Olendo on Board 2.
National University secured second place in the standings with a tight 2.5-1.5 win over Ateneo.
Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy [1/1] and Natasja Balabbo [1/1] led NU to victory, defeating Kristene Flores [0/1] and Jiessel Marino [0/1] on Boards 1 and 4.
Yana De Vera [0.5/1] clinched the match for NU by drawing with Ma. Elayza Flores [0.5/1] on Board 2, while Queen Rose Pamplona [0/1] fell to Ateneo’s Lexie Hernandez [1/1] on Board 3.
Adamson University pulled off a 2-2 draw against UST in a closely contested match.
Robelle de Jesus [1/1] and Phoebie Arellano [1/1] secured wins for Adamson on Boards 3 and 4, defeating Rohanisah Buto [0/1] and Christine Tabungar [0/1].
UST’s Josemier Panol [1/1] and Precious Yecla [1/1] responded with wins on Boards 1 and 2, taking down Angela San Luis [0/1] and Zheileen Jain [0/1].
Round 2 of the Men’s and Women’s divisions is set for Sunday, with defending women’s champion FEU starting its title defense against NU.
